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Mouhand A, Nakatani K, Kono F, Hippo Y, Matsuo T, Barthe P, Peters J, Suenaga Y, Tamada T, Roumestand C. 1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of the human oncogenic protein NCYM. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2024; 18:65-70. [PMID: 38526839 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-024-10169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
NCYM is a cis-antisense gene of MYCN oncogene and encodes an oncogenic protein that stabilizes MYCN via inhibition of GSK3b. High NCYM expression levels are associated with poor clinical outcomes in human neuroblastomas, and NCYM overexpression promotes distant metastasis in animal models of neuroblastoma. Using vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scattering, we previously showed that NCYM has high flexibility with partially folded structures; however, further structural characterization is required for the design of anti-cancer agents targeting NCYM. Here we report the 1H, 15N and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance assignments of NCYM. Secondary structure prediction using Secondary Chemical Shifts and TALOS-N analysis demonstrates that the structure of NCYM is essentially disordered, even though residues in the central region of the peptide clearly present a propensity to adopt a dynamic helical structure. This preliminary study provides foundations for further analysis of interaction between NCYM and potential partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Mouhand
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), CNRS, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kazuma Nakatani
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Oncology, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Kono
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hippo
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Oncology, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Laboratory of Precision Tumor Model Systems, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tatsuhito Matsuo
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Philippe Barthe
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), CNRS, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Judith Peters
- Institut Laue Langevin, 38042, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LiPhy, 38400, Grenoble, France
| | - Yusuke Suenaga
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Oncology, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Taro Tamada
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Quantum Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Christian Roumestand
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), CNRS, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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2
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Kojima M, Touge R, Kurihara S, Saeki I, Takahashi S, Hiyama E. Coexistence of MYCN-activating mutation and amplification in a patient with neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31115. [PMID: 38773728 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kojima
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryo Touge
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Sho Kurihara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Isamu Saeki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinya Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eiso Hiyama
- Department of Biomedical Science, Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development (N-BARD), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Yang G, Lin Y, Sun X, Cheng D, Li H, Hu S, Chen M, Wang Y, Wang Y. Preclinical Evaluation of JAB-2485, a Potent AURKA Inhibitor with High Selectivity and Favorable Pharmacokinetic Properties. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21416-21425. [PMID: 38764682 PMCID: PMC11097369 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
As a critical mitotic regulator, Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is aberrantly activated in a wide range of cancers. Therapeutic targeting of AUKRA is a promising strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the preclinical characteristics of JAB-2485, a small-molecule inhibitor of AURKA currently in Phase I/IIa clinical trial in the US (NCT05490472). Biochemical studies demonstrated that JAB-2485 is potent and highly selective on AURKA, with subnanomolar IC50 and around 1500-fold selectivity over AURKB or AURKC. In addition, JAB-2485 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties featured by low clearance and good bioavailability, strong dose-response relationship, as well as low risk for hematotoxicity and off-target liability. As a single agent, JAB-2485 effectively induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, JAB-2485 exhibited robust in vivo antitumor activity both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapies or the bromodomain inhibitor JAB-8263 in xenograft models of various cancer types. Together, these encouraging preclinical data provide a strong basis for safety and efficacy evaluations of JAB-2485 in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqun Yang
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yiwei Lin
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Dai Cheng
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Haijun Li
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Shizong Hu
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yinxiang Wang
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Co., Ltd., 105 Jinghai Third Street, Beijing 100176, China
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4
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Yang Y, Zhang Y, Chen G, Sun B, Luo F, Gao Y, Feng H, Li Y. KAP1 stabilizes MYCN mRNA and promotes neuroblastoma tumorigenicity by protecting the RNA m 6A reader YTHDC1 protein degradation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:141. [PMID: 38745192 PMCID: PMC11092262 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) patients with amplified MYCN often face a grim prognosis and are resistant to existing therapies, yet MYCN protein is considered undruggable. KAP1 (also named TRIM28) plays a crucial role in multiple biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between KAP1 and MYCN in NB. METHODS Transcriptome analyses and luciferase reporter assay identified that KAP1 was a downstream target of MYCN. The effects of KAP1 on cancer cell proliferation and colony formation were explored using the loss-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. RNA stability detection was used to examine the influence of KAP1 on MYCN expression. The mechanisms of KAP1 to maintain MYCN mRNA stabilization were mainly investigated by mass spectrum, immunoprecipitation, RIP-qPCR, and western blotting. In addition, a xenograft mouse model was used to reveal the antitumor effect of STM2457 on NB. RESULTS Here we identified KAP1 as a critical regulator of MYCN mRNA stability by protecting the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader YTHDC1 protein degradation. KAP1 was highly expressed in clinical MYCN-amplified NB and was upregulated by MYCN. Reciprocally, KAP1 knockdown reduced MYCN mRNA stability and inhibited MYCN-amplified NB progression. Mechanistically, KAP1 regulated the stability of MYCN mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. KAP1 formed a complex with YTHDC1 and RNA m6A writer METTL3 to regulate m6A-modified MYCN mRNA stability. KAP1 depletion decreased YTHDC1 protein stability and promoted MYCN mRNA degradation. Inhibiting MYCN mRNA m6A modification synergized with chemotherapy to restrain tumor progression in MYCN-amplified NB. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates that KAP1, transcriptionally activated by MYCN, forms a complex with YTHDC1 and METTL3, which in turn maintain the stabilization of MYCN mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. Targeting m6A modification by STM2457, a small-molecule inhibitor of METTL3, could downregulate MYCN expression and attenuate tumor proliferation. This finding provides a new alternative putative therapeutic strategy for MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Guoyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Fei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yijin Gao
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Haizhong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yanxin Li
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Wang H, Li T, Ni X, Chen X, He L, Cai J. Image-defined risk factors associated with MYCN oncogene amplification in neuroblastoma and their association with overall survival. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024:10.1007/s00261-024-04196-w. [PMID: 38436700 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The MYCN oncogene is a critical factor in the development and progression of neuroblastoma, and image-defined risk factors (IDRFs) are radiological findings used for the preoperative staging of neuroblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the specific categories of IDRFs associated with MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma and their association with overall survival. METHOD A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 280 pediatric patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma, utilizing a combination of clinical and radiological data. MYCN amplification status was ascertained through molecular testing, and the assessment of IDRFs was conducted using either contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The specific categories of IDRFs associated with MYCN amplification and their association with overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS MYCN amplification was identified in 19.6% (55/280) of patients, with the majority of primary lesions located in the abdomen (53/55, 96.4%). Lesions accompanied by MYCN amplification exhibited significantly larger tumor volume and a greater number of IDRFs compared with those without MYCN amplification (P < 0.001). Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that coeliac axis/superior mesenteric artery encasement and infiltration of adjacent organs/structures were independently associated with MYCN amplification in abdominal neuroblastoma (P < 0.05). Patients presenting with more than four IDRFs experienced a worse prognosis (P = 0.017), and infiltration of adjacent organs/structures independently correlated with overall survival in abdominal neuroblastoma (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION The IDRFs are closely correlated with the MYCN amplification status and overall survival in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiaoying Ni
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Ling He
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Jinhua Cai
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, No. 136 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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Menendez JA, Cuyàs E, Encinar JA, Vander Steen T, Verdura S, Llop‐Hernández À, López J, Serrano‐Hervás E, Osuna S, Martin‐Castillo B, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) signalome: A molecular guide for precision oncology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:479-516. [PMID: 38158755 PMCID: PMC10920094 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial excitement generated more than two decades ago by the discovery of drugs targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN)-catalyzed de novo lipogenesis for cancer therapy was short-lived. However, the advent of the first clinical-grade FASN inhibitor (TVB-2640; denifanstat), which is currently being studied in various phase II trials, and the exciting advances in understanding the FASN signalome are fueling a renewed interest in FASN-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Here, we provide a detailed overview of how FASN can drive phenotypic plasticity and cell fate decisions, mitochondrial regulation of cell death, immune escape and organ-specific metastatic potential. We then present a variety of FASN-targeted therapeutic approaches that address the major challenges facing FASN therapy. These include limitations of current FASN inhibitors and the lack of precision tools to maximize the therapeutic potential of FASN inhibitors in the clinic. Rethinking the role of FASN as a signal transducer in cancer pathogenesis may provide molecularly driven strategies to optimize FASN as a long-awaited target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Menendez
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Jose Antonio Encinar
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE) and Molecular and Cell Biology Institute (IBMC)Miguel Hernández University (UMH)ElcheSpain
| | - Travis Vander Steen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
| | - Sara Verdura
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Àngela Llop‐Hernández
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Júlia López
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Eila Serrano‐Hervás
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
- ICREABarcelonaSpain
| | - Begoña Martin‐Castillo
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- Unit of Clinical ResearchCatalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
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7
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Epp S, Chuah SM, Halasz M. Epigenetic Dysregulation in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17085. [PMID: 38069407 PMCID: PMC10707345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer arising from the neural crest, poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in cases featuring amplification of the MYCN oncogene. Epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in normal neural crest and NB development, influencing gene expression patterns critical for tumorigenesis. This review delves into the multifaceted interplay between MYCN and known epigenetic modifications during NB genesis, shedding light on the intricate regulatory networks underlying the disease. We provide an extensive survey of known epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, super-enhancers (SEs), bromodomains (BET), and chromatin modifiers in MYCN-amplified (MNA) NB. These epigenetic changes collectively contribute to the dysregulated gene expression landscape observed in MNA NB. Furthermore, we review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). We also discuss and summarize current drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, offering insights into their potential for improving outcomes for MNA NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Epp
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Shin Mei Chuah
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Vieira LS, Zhang Y, López Quiñones AJ, Hu T, Singh DK, Stevens J, Prasad B, Park JR, Wang J. The Plasma Membrane Monoamine Transporter is Highly Expressed in Neuroblastoma and Functions as an mIBG Transporter. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 387:239-248. [PMID: 37541765 PMCID: PMC10658915 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer with low survival rates in high-risk patients. 131I-mIBG has emerged as a promising therapy for high-risk NB and kills tumor cells by radiation. Consequently, 131I-mIBG tumor uptake and retention are major determinants for its therapeutic efficacy. mIBG enters NB cells through the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and accumulates in mitochondria through unknown mechanisms. Here we evaluated the expression of monoamine and organic cation transporters in high-risk NB tumors and explored their relationship with MYCN amplification and patient survival. We found that NB mainly expresses NET, the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT), and the vesicular membrane monoamine transporter 1/2 (VMAT1/2), and that the expression of these transporters is significantly reduced in MYCN-amplified tumor samples. PMAT expression is the highest and correlates with overall survival in high-risk NB patients without MYCN amplification. Immunostaining showed that PMAT resides intracellularly in NB cells and co-localizes with mitochondria. Using cells expressing PMAT, mIBG was identified as a PMAT substrate. In mitochondria isolated from NB cell lines, mIBG uptake was reduced by ∼50% by a PMAT inhibitor. Together, our data suggest that PMAT is a previously unrecognized transporter highly expressed in NB and could impact intracellular transport and therapeutic response to 131I-mIBG. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study identified that plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) is a novel transporter highly expressed in neuroblastoma and its expression level is associated with overall survival rate in high-risk patients without MYCN amplification. PMAT is expressed intracellularly in neuroblastoma cells, transports meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) and thus could impact tumor retention and response to 131I-mIBG therapy. These findings have important clinical implications as PMAT could represent a novel molecular marker to help inform disease prognosis and predict response to 131I-mIBG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Salvador Vieira
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Antonio J López Quiñones
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Dilip Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Jeffrey Stevens
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Bhagwat Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Joanne Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
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9
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Zugbi S, Aschero R, Ganiewich D, Cancela MB, Winter U, Ottaviani D, Sampor C, Dinardi M, Torbidoni AV, Mena M, Balaguer-Lluna L, Lamas G, Sgroi M, Lagomarsino E, Lubieniecki F, Fandiño A, Radvanyi F, Abramson DH, Podhajcer O, Llera AS, Cafferata EG, Chantada G, Carcaboso AM, Schaiquevich P. Establishment and Comprehensive Characterization of a Novel Preclinical Platform of Metastatic Retinoblastoma for Therapeutic Developments. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:27. [PMID: 38117242 PMCID: PMC10741097 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although there have been improvements in the management of metastatic retinoblastoma, most patients do not survive, and all patients suffer from multiple short- and long-term treatment toxicities. Reliable and informative models to assist clinicians are needed. Thus we developed and comprehensively characterized a novel preclinical platform of primary cell cultures and xenograft models of metastatic retinoblastoma to provide insights into the molecular biology underlying metastases and to perform drug screening for the identification of hit candidates with the highest potential for clinical translation. Methods Orbital tumor, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymph node tumor infiltration specimens were obtained from seven patients with metastatic retinoblastoma at diagnosis, disease progression, or relapse. Tumor specimens were engrafted in immunodeficient animals, and primary cell lines were established. Genomic, immunohistochemical/immunocytochemical, and pharmacological analysis were performed. Results We successfully established five primary cell lines: two derived from leptomeningeal, two from orbital, and one from lymph node tumor dissemination. After the intravitreal or intraventricular inoculation of these cells, we established cell-derived xenograft models. Both primary cell lines and xenografts accurately retained the histological and genomic features of the tumors from which they were derived and faithfully recapitulated the dissemination patterns and pharmacological sensitivity observed in the matched patients. Conclusions Ours is an innovative and thoroughly characterized preclinical platform of metastatic retinoblastoma developed for the understanding of tumor biology of this highly aggressive tumor and has the potential to identify drug candidates to treat patients who currently lack effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Zugbi
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosario Aschero
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Pathology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daiana Ganiewich
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir – Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B. Cancela
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ursula Winter
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Pathology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Ottaviani
- Institut Curie; PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Equipe Ligue contre le cancer, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Sampor
- Hematology-Oncology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Milagros Dinardi
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana V. Torbidoni
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Mena
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir – Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leire Balaguer-Lluna
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Lamas
- Pathology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Sgroi
- Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Lagomarsino
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Lubieniecki
- Pathology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Fandiño
- Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - François Radvanyi
- Institut Curie; PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Equipe Ligue contre le cancer, Paris, France
| | - David H. Abramson
- Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Osvaldo Podhajcer
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir – Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea S. Llera
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir – Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo G. Cafferata
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir – Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Chantada
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M. Carcaboso
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Innovative Treatments Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Evers R. Is Overexpression of the Plasma Membrane Transporter ( SLC29A4) a New Option to Stratify Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma for Treatment with 131I-mIBG? J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 387:236-238. [PMID: 37967896 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Evers
- Preclinical Sciences and Translational Safety, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Spring House, Pennsylvania
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11
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Qin X, Chen B. Comprehensive analysis and validation reveal potential MYCN regulatory biomarkers associated with neuroblastoma prognosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8902-8917. [PMID: 36300516 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2138977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic malignant tumor that occurs in the sympathetic nervous system. The treatment results of patients in the high-risk group are poor, and relapse and treatment failure can occur even with multiple combination treatments. The proto-oncogene MYCN is a BHLH Transcription Factor used as an independent prognostic factor for NB. The proportion of MYCN amplification in tumor tissues of high-risk patients reaches 40-50%. Hence, exploring new MYCN target genes is a meaningful approach in developing treatment for high-risk NB patients. The microarray datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and miRPathDB were used for enrichment analysis. STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and for modular analysis. The miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databases were used to predict and construct gene-miRNA and gene-TFs networks. The R2 database was used for expression, correlation, and prognostic analyses. The diagnostic value of the biomarkers was predicted by ROC analysis, and RT-qPCR was used to validate the identified hub genes. Finally, using specific MYCN siRNA and overexpressing plasmids, the correlation between the identified hub genes and MYCN was investigated. Our results showed that FBXO9, HECW2, MIB2, RNF19B, RNF213, TRIM36, and ZBTB16 are novel biomarkers that affect the prognosis of the NB patients. In addition, FBXO9, RNF19B, and TRIM36 were preliminarily confirmed as potential target genes of MYCN. Overall, FBXO9, HECW2, MIB2, RNF19B, RNF213, TRIM36, and ZBTB16 are expected to become novel biomarkers for the treatment of high-risk NB patients.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuni Qin
- Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Medical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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12
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Beaudry A, Jacques-Ricard S, Darracq A, Sgarioto N, Garcia A, García TR, Lemieux W, Béland K, Haddad E, Cordeiro P, Duval M, McGraw S, Richer C, Caron M, Marois F, St-Onge P, Sinnett D, Banquy X, Raynal NJM. Repurposing disulfiram, an alcohol-abuse drug, in neuroblastoma causes KAT2A downregulation and in vivo activity with a water/oil emulsion. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16443. [PMID: 37777587 PMCID: PMC10543387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43219-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, the most common type of pediatric extracranial solid tumor, causes 10% of childhood cancer deaths. Despite intensive multimodal treatment, the outcomes of high-risk neuroblastoma remain poor. We urgently need to develop new therapies with safe long-term toxicity profiles for rapid testing in clinical trials. Drug repurposing is a promising approach to meet these needs. Here, we investigated disulfiram, a safe and successful chronic alcoholism treatment with known anticancer and epigenetic effects. Disulfiram efficiently induced cell cycle arrest and decreased the viability of six human neuroblastoma cell lines at half-maximal inhibitory concentrations up to 20 times lower than its peak clinical plasma level in patients treated for chronic alcoholism. Disulfiram shifted neuroblastoma transcriptome, decreasing MYCN levels and activating neuronal differentiation. Consistently, disulfiram significantly reduced the protein level of lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), drastically reducing acetylation of its target residues on histone H3. To investigate disulfiram's anticancer effects in an in vivo model of high-risk neuroblastoma, we developed a disulfiram-loaded emulsion to deliver the highly liposoluble drug. Treatment with the emulsion significantly delayed neuroblastoma progression in mice. These results identify KAT2A as a novel target of disulfiram, which directly impacts neuroblastoma epigenetics and is a promising candidate for repurposing to treat pediatric neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Beaudry
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Simon Jacques-Ricard
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anaïs Darracq
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Sgarioto
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Araceli Garcia
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - William Lemieux
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Kathie Béland
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Elie Haddad
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Paulo Cordeiro
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Michel Duval
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Serge McGraw
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Chantal Richer
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Maxime Caron
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - François Marois
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Pascal St-Onge
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Daniel Sinnett
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xavier Banquy
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Noël J-M Raynal
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
- Département de Pharmacologie et de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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13
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Yang R, Liu N, Li T, Liu F, Zhang J, Zhao H, Zou L, He X. LncRNA AC142119.1 facilitates the progression of neuroblastoma by epigenetically initiating the transcription of MYCN. J Transl Med 2023; 21:659. [PMID: 37741985 PMCID: PMC10518117 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncogene MYCN is closely related with malignant progression and poor prognosis of neuroblastoma (NB). Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as crucial regulators in various cancers. However, whether lncRNAs contribute to the overexpression of MYCN in NB is unclear. METHODS Microarray analysis were applied to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNAs between MYCN-amplified and MYCN-non-amplified NB cell lines. Bioinformatic analyses were utilized to identify lncRNAs nearby MYCN locus. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA AC142119.1 in NB cell lines and tissues. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were conducted to investigate the biological effect of AC142119.1 in NB. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, RNA electrophoretic mobility shift, chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays were performed to validate the interaction between AC142119.1 and WDR5 protein as well as MYCN promoter. RESULTS AC142119.1 was significantly elevated in NB tissues with MYCN amplification, advanced INSS stage and high risk, and associated with poor survival of NB patients. Moreover, enforced expression of AC142119.1 reinforced the proliferation of NB cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, AC142119.1 specifically recruited WDR5 protein to interact with MYCN promoter, further initiating the transcription of MYCN and accelerating NB progression. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel lncRNA AC142119.1, which promoted the progression of NB through epigenetically initiating the transcription of MYCN via interacting with both WDR5 protein and the promoter of MYCN, indicating that AC142119.1 might be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Nanjing Liu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Fangjie Liu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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14
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Yuan Y, Alzrigat M, Rodriguez-Garcia A, Wang X, Bexelius TS, Johnsen JI, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Liaño-Pons J, Bedoya-Reina OC. Target Genes of c-MYC and MYCN with Prognostic Power in Neuroblastoma Exhibit Different Expressions during Sympathoadrenal Development. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4599. [PMID: 37760568 PMCID: PMC10527308 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the MYC family of transcription factors c-MYC (encoded by MYC), MYCN, and MYCL is prevalent in most human cancers, with an impact on tumor initiation and progression, as well as response to therapy. In neuroblastoma (NB), amplification of the MYCN oncogene and over-expression of MYC characterize approximately 40% and 10% of all high-risk NB cases, respectively. However, the mechanism and stage of neural crest development in which MYCN and c-MYC contribute to the onset and/or progression of NB are not yet fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that subtle differences in the expression of MYCN and/or c-MYC targets could more accurately stratify NB patients in different risk groups rather than using the expression of either MYC gene alone. We employed an integrative approach using the transcriptome of 498 NB patients from the SEQC cohort and previously defined c-MYC and MYCN target genes to model a multigene transcriptional risk score. Our findings demonstrate that defined sets of c-MYC and MYCN targets with significant prognostic value, effectively stratify NB patients into different groups with varying overall survival probabilities. In particular, patients exhibiting a high-risk signature score present unfavorable clinical parameters, including increased clinical risk, higher INSS stage, MYCN amplification, and disease progression. Notably, target genes with prognostic value differ between c-MYC and MYCN, exhibiting distinct expression patterns in the developing sympathoadrenal system. Genes associated with poor outcomes are mainly found in sympathoblasts rather than in chromaffin cells during the sympathoadrenal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aida Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Sjöberg Bexelius
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Astrid Lindgren’s Children Hospital, SE-171 64 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judit Liaño-Pons
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar C. Bedoya-Reina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Pischedda F, Ghirelli A, Tripathi V, Piccoli G. Negr1-Derived Peptides Trigger ALK Degradation and Halt Neuroblastoma Progression In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2307. [PMID: 37765276 PMCID: PMC10536585 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is among the most common childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma in advanced stages is one of the most intractable pediatric cancers, notwithstanding the recent therapeutic advances. ALK mutations are among the leading cause of hereditary neuroblastoma and account for more than 14% of the somatically acquired alterations. ALK kinase activity is currently one of the main targets for pharmacological strategies. However, evidence from ALK fusion-positive lung cancer studies has shown that resistance to ALK inhibition arises during the therapy, causing a relapse within several years. IgLONs are membrane-bound proteins involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. The expression of the IgLON family results altered in different cancers. We found that the IgLON member Negr1 is downregulated in neuroblastoma. The ectopic overexpression of Negr1 impairs neuroblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Negr1 exists as a GPI-anchored membrane-bound protein and as a soluble protein released upon metalloprotease cleavage. We generated and characterized a panel of Negr1-derived peptides. The treatment with Negr1 protein and derived peptides induce ALK downregulation and halt neuroblastoma progression in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Piccoli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
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16
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Martínez-Pacheco ML, Hernández-Lemus E, Mejía C. Analysis of High-Risk Neuroblastoma Transcriptome Reveals Gene Co-Expression Signatures and Functional Features. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1230. [PMID: 37759629 PMCID: PMC10525871 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma represents a neoplastic expansion of neural crest cells in the developing sympathetic nervous system and is childhood's most common extracranial solid tumor. The heterogeneity of gene expression in different types of cancer is well-documented, and genetic features of neuroblastoma have been described by classification, development stage, malignancy, and progression of tumors. Here, we aim to analyze RNA sequencing datasets, publicly available in the GDC data portal, of neuroblastoma tumor samples from various patients and compare them with normal adrenal gland tissue from the GTEx data portal to elucidate the gene expression profile and regulation networks they share. Our results from the differential expression, weighted correlation network, and functional enrichment analyses that we performed with the count data from neuroblastoma and standard normal gland samples indicate that the analysis of transcriptome data from 58 patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma shares the expression pattern of 104 genes. More importantly, our analyses identify the co-expression relationship and the role of these genes in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways strongly associated with this disease phenotype. Our approach proposes a group of genes and their biological functions to be further investigated as essential molecules and possible therapeutic targets of neuroblastoma regardless of the etiology of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen Mejía
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76010, Mexico;
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17
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Bao W, Song Z, Wan H, Yu X, Chen Z, Jiang Y, Chen X, Le K. Model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy based on CD +8 T cells infiltration in neuroblastoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9839-9855. [PMID: 37248319 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NBL) is an extracranial malignant tumor in children deriving from the neural crest in the sympathetic nervous system. Although various immunotherapy interventions have made significant breakthroughs in many adult cancers, the efficacy of these immunotherapies was still limited in NBL. NBL has low immunogenicity which results in a lack of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, tumor cells can wield many immune evasion strategies both in the TME and systemically to impede lymphocyte infiltration and activation. All these factors hamper the anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells during immunotherapy and the levels of infiltrating CD8+ T cells correlate with therapy response. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we utilized multidimensional bioinformatic methods to establish a risk model based on CD8+ T cells -related genes (CD8+ TRGs). RESULTS We obtained 33 CD8+ TRGs with well-predictive ability for prognosis in both GSE49711 and E-MTAB-8248 cohorts. Then, 12 CD8+ TRGs including HK2, RP2, HPSE, ELL2, GFI1, SLC22A16, FCGR3A, CTSS, SH2D1A, RBP5, ATF5, and ADAM9 were finally identified for risk model construction and validation. This model revealed a stable performance in prognostic prediction of the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in patients with NBL. Additionally, our research indicated that the immune and stromal scores, immune-related pathways, immune cell infiltration, the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune checkpoint molecules, immunotherapy response, and drug susceptibility revealed significant differences between high and low-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS According to our analyses, the constructed CD8+ TRGs-based risk model may be promising for the clinical prediction of anti-tumor therapy responses and prognoses in NBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Bao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiping Song
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, No.122 Yangming Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhaoyan Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yaqing Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
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Gao J, Fosbrook C, Gibson J, Underwood TJ, Gray JC, Walters ZS. Review: Targeting EZH2 in neuroblastoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 119:102600. [PMID: 37467626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest extra-cranial pediatric tumors, and accounts for over 15% of all childhood cancer mortality. Risk stratification for children with neuroblastoma is based on age, stage, histology, and tumor cytogenetics. The majority of patients are considered to have high-risk neuroblastoma, for which the long-term survival is less than 50%. Current treatments combine surgical resection, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy, anti-GD2 based immunotherapy as well as the differentiating agent isotretinoin. Despite the intensive multimodal therapies applied, there are high relapse rates, and recurrent disease is often resistant to further therapy. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone methyltransferase that represses transcription through trimethylation of lysine residue K27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). It is responsible for epigenetic repression of transcription, making EZH2 an essential regulator for cell differentiation. Overexpression of EZH2 has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and prevent tumor cells from differentiating in a number of cancers. Therefore, research has been ongoing for the past decade, developing treatments that target EZH2 in neuroblastoma. This review summarises the role of EZH2 in neuroblastoma and evaluates the latest research findings on the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Gao
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Claire Fosbrook
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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Zhou Y, Yan H, Zhou Q, Wang P, Yang F, Yuan Z, Du Q, Zhai B. CCNB1IP1 prevents ubiquitination-mediated destabilization of MYCN and potentiates tumourigenesis of MYCN-amplificated neuroblastoma. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1328. [PMID: 37461251 PMCID: PMC10352605 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYCN amplification as a common genetic alteration that correlates with a poor prognosis for neuroblastoma (NB) patients. However, given the challenge of directly targeting MYCN, indirect strategies to modulate MYCN by interfering with its cofactors are attractive in NB treatment. Although cyclin B1 interacting protein 1 (CCNB1IP1) has been found to be upregulated in MYCN-driven mouse NB tissues, its regulation with MYCN and collaboration in driving the biological behaviour of NB remains unknown. METHODS To evaluate the expression and clinical significance of CCNB1IP1 in NB patients, public datasets, clinical NB samples and cell lines were explored. MTT, EdU incorporation, colony and tumour sphere formation assays, and a mouse xenograft tumour model were utilized to examine the biological function of CCNB1IP1. The reciprocal manipulation of CCNB1IP1 and MYCN and the underlying mechanisms involved were investigated by gain- and loss-of-function approaches, dual-luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. RESULTS CCNB1IP1 was upregulated in MYCN-amplified (MYCN-AM) NB cell lines and patients-derived tumour tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis. Phenotypic studies revealed that CCNB1IP1 facilitated the proliferation and tumourigenicity of NB cells in cooperation with MYCN in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MYCN directly mediates the transcription of CCNB1IP1, which in turn attenuated the ubiquitination and degradation of MYCN protein, thus enhancing CCNB1IP1-MYCN cooperativity. Moreover, CCNB1IP1 competed with F box/WD-40 domain protein 7 (FBXW7) for MYCN binding and enabled MYCN-mediated tumourigenesis in a C-terminal domain-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a previously uncharacterized mechanism of CCNB1IP1-mediated MYCN protein stability and will provide new prospects for precise treatment of MYCN-AM NB based on MYCN-CCNB1IP1 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Penggao Wang
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhai
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Arshadi A, Tolomeo D, Venuto S, Storlazzi CT. Advancements in Focal Amplification Detection in Tumor/Liquid Biopsies and Emerging Clinical Applications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1304. [PMID: 37372484 PMCID: PMC10298061 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal amplifications (FAs) are crucial in cancer research due to their significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. FAs manifest in various forms, such as episomes, double minute chromosomes, and homogeneously staining regions, arising through different mechanisms and mainly contributing to cancer cell heterogeneity, the leading cause of drug resistance in therapy. Numerous wet-lab, mainly FISH, PCR-based assays, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics approaches have been set up to detect FAs, unravel the internal structure of amplicons, assess their chromatin compaction status, and investigate the transcriptional landscape associated with their occurrence in cancer cells. Most of them are tailored for tumor samples, even at the single-cell level. Conversely, very limited approaches have been set up to detect FAs in liquid biopsies. This evidence suggests the need to improve these non-invasive investigations for early tumor detection, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment response. Despite the potential therapeutic implications of FAs, such as, for example, the use of HER2-specific compounds for patients with ERBB2 amplification, challenges remain, including developing selective and effective FA-targeting agents and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying FA maintenance and replication. This review details a state-of-the-art of FA investigation, with a particular focus on liquid biopsies and single-cell approaches in tumor samples, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize the future diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Clelia Tiziana Storlazzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (D.T.); (S.V.)
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21
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Bechmann N, Westermann F, Eisenhofer G. HIF and MYC signaling in adrenal neoplasms of the neural crest: implications for pediatrics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1022192. [PMID: 37361539 PMCID: PMC10286580 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1022192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neural crest-derived adrenal neoplasms include neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. Both entities are associated with a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, varying from spontaneous regression to malignant disease with poor outcome. Increased expression and stabilization of HIF2α appears to contribute to a more aggressive and undifferentiated phenotype in both adrenal neoplasms, whereas MYCN amplification is a valuable prognostic marker in neuroblastoma. The present review focuses on HIF- and MYC signaling in both neoplasms and discusses the interaction of associated pathways during neural crest and adrenal development as well as potential consequences on tumorigenesis. Emerging single-cell methods together with epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses provide further insights into the importance of a tight regulation of HIF and MYC signaling pathways during adrenal development and tumorigenesis. In this context, increased attention to HIF-MYC/MAX interactions may also provide new therapeutic options for these pediatric adrenal neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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22
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Bhavsar SP. Metastasis in neuroblastoma: the MYCN question. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1196861. [PMID: 37274289 PMCID: PMC10233040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1196861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic drivers like MYCN in neuroblastoma subsets continues to present a significant challenge owing to its strong correlation with high-risk metastatic disease and poor prognosis. However, only a limited number of MYCN-regulatory proteins associated with tumor initiation and progression have been elucidated. In this minireview, I summarize the recent progress in understanding the functional role of MYCN and its regulatory partners in neuroblastoma metastasis.
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23
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Agarwal P, Glowacka A, Mahmoud L, Bazzar W, Larsson LG, Alzrigat M. MYCN Amplification Is Associated with Reduced Expression of Genes Encoding γ-Secretase Complex and NOTCH Signaling Components in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8141. [PMID: 37175848 PMCID: PMC10179553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amplification of the MYCN oncogene is found in ~20% of neuroblastoma (NB) cases and correlates with high-risk disease and poor prognosis. Despite the plethora of studies describing the role of MYCN in NB, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying MYCN's contribution to high-risk disease are not completely understood. Herein, we implemented an integrative approach combining publicly available RNA-Seq and MYCN ChIP-Seq datasets derived from human NB cell lines to define biological processes directly regulated by MYCN in NB. Our approach revealed that MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, when compared to non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, are characterized by reduced expression of genes involved in NOTCH receptor processing, axoneme assembly, and membrane protein proteolysis. More specifically, we found genes encoding members of the γ-secretase complex, which is known for its ability to liberate several intracellular signaling molecules from membrane-bound proteins such as NOTCH receptors, to be down-regulated in MYCN-amplified NB cell lines. Analysis of MYCN ChIP-Seq data revealed an enrichment of MYCN binding at the transcription start sites of genes encoding γ-secretase complex subunits. Notably, using publicly available gene expression data from NB primary tumors, we revealed that the expression of γ-secretase subunits encoding genes and other components of the NOTCH signaling pathway was also reduced in MYCN-amplified tumors and correlated with worse overall survival in NB patients. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of MYCN in NB cell lines induced the expression of γ-secretase genes and NOTCH-target genes. Chemical inhibition of γ-secretase activity dampened the expression of NOTCH-target genes upon MYCN depletion in NB cells. In conclusion, this study defines a set of MYCN-regulated pathways that are specific to MYCN-amplified NB tumors, and it suggests a novel role for MYCN in the suppression of genes of the γ-secretase complex, with an impact on the NOTCH-target gene expression in MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasoon Agarwal
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksandra Glowacka
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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Han QL, Zhang XL, Ren PX, Mei LH, Lin WH, Wang L, Cao Y, Li K, Bai F. Discovery, evaluation and mechanism study of WDR5-targeted small molecular inhibitors for neuroblastoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:877-887. [PMID: 36207403 PMCID: PMC10043273 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00999-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common and deadliest tumor in infancy. WDR5 (WD Repeat Domain 5), a critical factor supporting an N-myc transcriptional complex via its WBM site and interacting with chromosome via its WIN site, promotes the progression of neuroblastoma, thus making it a potential anti-neuroblastoma drug target. So far, a few WIN site inhibitors have been reported, and the WBM site disruptors are rare to see. In this study we conducted virtual screening to identify candidate hit compounds targeting the WBM site of WDR5. As a result, 60 compounds were selected as candidate WBM site inhibitors. Cell proliferation assay demonstrated 6 structurally distinct WBM site inhibitors, numbering as compounds 4, 7, 11, 13, 19 and 22, which potently suppressed 3 neuroblastoma cell lines (MYCN-amplified IMR32 and LAN5 cell lines, and MYCN-unamplified SK-N-AS cell line). Among them, compound 19 suppressed the proliferation of IMR32 and LAN5 cells with EC50 values of 12.34 and 14.89 μM, respectively, and exerted a moderate inhibition on SK-N-AS cells, without affecting HEK293T cells at 20 μM. Analysis of high-resolution crystal complex structure of compound 19 against WDR5 revealed that it competitively occupied the hydrophobic pocket where V264 was located, which might disrupt the interaction of MYC with WDR5 and further MYC-medicated gene transcription. By performing RNA-seq analysis we demonstrated the differences in molecular action mechanisms of the compound 19 and a WIN site inhibitor OICR-9429. Most interestingly, we established the particularly high synergy rate by combining WBM site inhibitor 19 and the WIN site inhibitor OICR-9429, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Lei Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Xiang-Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Peng-Xuan Ren
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Liang-He Mei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei-Hong Lin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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25
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Fernandes PD, Magalhães FD, Pereira RF, Pinto AM. Metal-Organic Frameworks Applications in Synergistic Cancer Photo-Immunotherapy. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061490. [PMID: 36987269 PMCID: PMC10053741 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can have long-term side effects. Phototherapy has significant potential as a non-invasive alternative treatment with excellent selectivity. Nevertheless, its applicability is restricted by the availability of effective photosensitizers and photothermal agents, and its low efficacy when it comes to avoiding metastasis and tumor recurrence. Immunotherapy can promote systemic antitumoral immune responses, acting against metastasis and recurrence; however, it lacks the selectivity displayed by phototherapy, sometimes leading to adverse immune events. The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the biomedical field has grown significantly in recent years. Due to their distinct properties, including their porous structure, large surface area, and inherent photo-responsive properties, MOFs can be particularly useful in the fields of cancer phototherapy and immunotherapy. MOF nanoplatforms have successfully demonstrated their ability to address several drawbacks associated with cancer phototherapy and immunotherapy, enabling an effective and low-side-effect combinatorial synergistical treatment for cancer. In the coming years, new advancements in MOFs, particularly regarding the development of highly stable multi-function MOF nanocomposites, may revolutionize the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro D. Fernandes
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernão D. Magalhães
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben F. Pereira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur M. Pinto
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Evaluating the RIST Molecular-Targeted Regimen in a Three-Dimensional Neuroblastoma Spheroid Cell Culture Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061749. [PMID: 36980635 PMCID: PMC10046822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The outcome for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remains poor and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. The RIST protocol represents a novel metronomic and multimodal treatment strategy for high-risk neuroblastoma combining molecular-targeted drugs as ‘pre-treatment’ with a conventional chemotherapy backbone, currently evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. For preclinical drug testing, cancer cell growth as spheroid compared to mo-nolayer cultures is of advantage since it reproduces a wide range of tumor characteristics, including the three-dimensional architecture and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. The objective of this study was to establish a neuroblastoma spheroid model for the rigorous assessment of the RIST treatment protocol. Methods: Evaluation of CSC marker expression was performed by mRNA and protein analysis and spheroid viability by luminescence-based assays. Aberrant expression of RNA-binding protein La in neuroblastoma was assessed by tissue microarray analysis and patients’ data mining. Results: Spheroid cultures showed increased expression of a subgroup of CSC-like markers (CXCR4, NANOG and BMI) and higher Thr389 phosphorylation of the neuroblastoma-associated RNA-binding protein La when compared to monolayer cultures. Molecular-targeted ‘pre-treatment’ of spheroids decreased neoplastic signaling and CSC marker expression. Conclusions: The RIST treatment protocol efficiently reduced the viability of neuroblastoma spheroids characterized by advanced CSC properties.
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Chicco D, Sanavia T, Jurman G. Signature literature review reveals AHCY, DPYSL3, and NME1 as the most recurrent prognostic genes for neuroblastoma. BioData Min 2023; 16:7. [PMID: 36870971 PMCID: PMC9985261 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-023-00325-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a childhood neurological tumor which affects hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, and information about its prognosis can be pivotal for patients, their families, and clinicians. One of the main goals in the related bioinformatics analyses is to provide stable genetic signatures able to include genes whose expression levels can be effective to predict the prognosis of the patients. In this study, we collected the prognostic signatures for neuroblastoma published in the biomedical literature, and noticed that the most frequent genes present among them were three: AHCY, DPYLS3, and NME1. We therefore investigated the prognostic power of these three genes by performing a survival analysis and a binary classification on multiple gene expression datasets of different groups of patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Finally, we discussed the main studies in the literature associating these three genes with neuroblastoma. Our results, in each of these three steps of validation, confirm the prognostic capability of AHCY, DPYLS3, and NME1, and highlight their key role in neuroblastoma prognosis. Our results can have an impact on neuroblastoma genetics research: biologists and medical researchers can pay more attention to the regulation and expression of these three genes in patients having neuroblastoma, and therefore can develop better cures and treatments which can save patients' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Chicco
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, M5T 3M7 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tiziana Sanavia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università di Torino, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Jurman
- Data Science for Health Unit, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
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RUNX3 Meets the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050717. [PMID: 36899853 PMCID: PMC10001085 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RUNX3 is a transcription factor with regulatory roles in cell proliferation and development. While largely characterized as a tumor suppressor, RUNX3 can also be oncogenic in certain cancers. Many factors account for the tumor suppressor function of RUNX3, which is reflected by its ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation after expression-restoration, and its inactivation in cancer cells. Ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation represent a major mechanism for the inactivation of RUNX3 and the suppression of cancer cell proliferation. On the one hand, RUNX3 has been shown to facilitate the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of oncogenic proteins. On the other hand, RUNX3 can be inactivated through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This review encapsulates two facets of RUNX3 in cancer: how RUNX3 suppresses cell proliferation by facilitating the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of oncogenic proteins, and how RUNX3 is degraded itself through interacting RNA-, protein-, and pathogen-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.
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Rishfi M, Krols S, Martens F, Bekaert SL, Sanders E, Eggermont A, De Vloed F, Goulding JR, Risseeuw M, Molenaar J, De Wilde B, Van Calenbergh S, Durinck K. Targeted AURKA degradation: Towards new therapeutic agents for neuroblastoma. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115033. [PMID: 36549117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a well-established target in neuroblastoma (NB) due to both its catalytic functions during mitosis and its kinase-independent functions, including stabilization of the key oncoprotein MYCN. We present a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of MK-5108-derived PROTACs against AURKA by exploring different linker lengths and exit vectors on the thalidomide moiety. PROTAC SK2188 induces the most potent AURKA degradation (DC50,24h 3.9 nM, Dmax,24h 89%) and shows an excellent binding and degradation selectivity profile. Treatment of NGP neuroblastoma cells with SK2188 induced concomitant MYCN degradation, high replication stress/DNA damage levels and apoptosis. Moreover, SK2188 significantly outperforms the parent inhibitor MK-5108 in a cell proliferation screen and patient-derived organoids. Furthermore, altering the attachment point of the PEG linker to the 5-position of thalidomide allowed us to identify a potent AURKA degrader with a linker as short as 2 PEG units. With this, our SAR-study provides interesting lead structures for further optimization and validation of AURKA degradation as a potential therapeutic strategy in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rishfi
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Krols
- Laboratory for medicinal chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fien Martens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Lee Bekaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Sanders
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aline Eggermont
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fanny De Vloed
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joshua Robert Goulding
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martijn Risseeuw
- Laboratory for medicinal chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bram De Wilde
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for medicinal chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kaat Durinck
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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30
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Kaur S, Awad D, Finney RP, Meyer TJ, Singh SP, Cam MC, Karim BO, Warner AC, Roberts DD. CD47-Dependent Regulation of Immune Checkpoint Gene Expression and MYCN mRNA Splicing in Murine CD8 and Jurkat T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2612. [PMID: 36768931 PMCID: PMC9916813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of CD47 in some cancers is associated with poor survival related to its function as an innate immune checkpoint when expressed on tumor cells. In contrast, elevated CD47 expression in cutaneous melanomas is associated with improved survival. Previous studies implicated protective functions of CD47 expressed by immune cells in the melanoma tumor microenvironment. RNA sequencing analysis of responses induced by CD3 and CD28 engagement on wild type and CD47-deficient Jurkat T lymphoblast cells identified additional regulators of T cell function that were also CD47-dependent in mouse CD8 T cells. MYCN mRNA expression was upregulated in CD47-deficient cells but downregulated in CD47-deficient cells following activation. CD47 also regulated alternative splicing that produces two N-MYC isoforms. The CD47 ligand thrombospondin-1 inhibited expression of these MYCN mRNA isoforms, as well as induction of the oncogenic decoy MYCN opposite strand (MYCNOS) RNA during T cell activation. Analysis of mRNA expression data for melanomas in The Cancer Genome Atlas identified a significant coexpression of MYCN with CD47 and known regulators of CD8 T cell function. Thrombospondin-1 inhibited the induction of TIGIT, CD40LG, and MCL1 mRNAs following T cell activation in vitro. Increased mRNA expression of these T cell transcripts and MYCN in melanomas was associated with improved overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Kaur
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Duha Awad
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard P. Finney
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas J. Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Satya P. Singh
- Inflammation Biology Section, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Margaret C. Cam
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Baktiar O. Karim
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Andrew C. Warner
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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31
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Wu JC, Huang CC, Wang PW, Chen TY, Hsu WM, Chuang JH, Chuang HC. ONC201 Suppresses Neuroblastoma Growth by Interrupting Mitochondrial Function and Reactivating Nuclear ATRX Expression While Decreasing MYCN. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021649. [PMID: 36675163 PMCID: PMC9867473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by several malignant phenotypes that are difficult to treat effectively without combination therapy. The therapeutic implication of mitochondrial ClpXP protease ClpP and ClpX has been verified in several malignancies, but is unknown in NB. Firstly, we observed a significant increase in ClpP and ClpX expression in immature and mature ganglion cells as compared to more malignant neuroblasts and less malignant Schwannian-stroma-dominant cell types in human neuroblastoma tissues. We used ONC201 targeting ClpXP to treat NB cells, and found a significant suppression of mitochondrial protease, i.e., ClpP and ClpX, expression and downregulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits SDHB and NDUFS1. The latter was associated with a state of energy depletion, increased reactive oxygen species, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, consequently promoting apoptosis and suppressing cell growth of NB. Treatment of NB cells with ONC201 as well as the genetic attenuation of ClpP and ClpX through specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in the significant upregulation of the tumor suppressor alpha thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX) and promotion of neurite outgrowth, implicating mitochondrial ClpXP proteases in MYCN-amplified NB cell differentiation. Furthermore, ONC201 treatment significantly decreased MYCN protein expression and suppressed tumor formation with the reactivation of ATRX expression in MYCN-amplified NB-cell-derived xenograft tumors. Taken together, ONC201 could be the potential agent to provide diversified therapeutic application in NB, particularly in NB with MYCN amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ching Wu
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Biobank and Tissue Bank, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ya Chen
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ming Hsu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jiin-Haur Chuang
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Chuang
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-7317123 (ext. 8896); Fax: +886-7-7311696
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Liu F, Xiong QW, Wang JH, Peng WX. Roles of lncRNAs in childhood cancer: Current landscape and future perspectives. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1060107. [PMID: 36923440 PMCID: PMC10008945 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1060107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
According to World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Leukemias, brain cancers, lymphomas and solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma, ostesarcoma and Wilms tumors are the most common types of childhood cancers. Approximately 400,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide. The cancer incidence rates have been rising for the past few decades. Generally, the prognosis of childhood cancers is favorable, but the survival rate for many unresectable or recurring cancers is substantially worse. Although random genetic mutations, persistent infections, and environmental factors may serve as contributing factors for many pediatric malignancies, the underlying mechanisms are yet unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of transcripts with longer than 200 nucleotides that lack the coding capacity. However, increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs play vital regulatory roles in cancer initiation and development in both adults and children. In particular, many lncRNAs are stable in cancer patients' body fluids such as blood and urine, suggesting that they could be used as novel biomarkers. In support of this notion, lncRNAs have been identified in liquid biopsy samples from pediatric cancer patients. In this review, we look at the regulatory functions and underlying processes of lncRNAs in the initiation and progression of children cancer and discuss the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for early detection. We hope that this article will help researchers explore lncRNA functions and clinical applications in pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Wen Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Hu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Xin Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Valind A, Verhoeven BM, Enoksson J, Karlsson J, Christensson G, Mañas A, Aaltonen K, Jansson C, Bexell D, Baryawno N, Gisselsson D, Hagerling C. Macrophage infiltration promotes regrowth in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma after chemotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2184130. [PMID: 36875552 PMCID: PMC9980604 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2184130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment, the 5-year event-free survival rate for children with high-risk neuroblastoma is <50%. While most high-risk neuroblastoma patients initially respond to treatment, often with complete clinical remission, many eventually relapse with therapy-resistant tumors. Novel therapeutic alternatives that prevent the recurrence of therapy-resistant tumors are urgently needed. To understand the adaptation of neuroblastoma under therapy, we analyzed the transcriptomic landscape in 46 clinical tumor samples collected before (PRE) or after (POST) treatment from 22 neuroblastoma patients. RNA sequencing revealed that many of the top-upregulated biological processes in POST MYCN amplified (MNA+) tumors compared to PRE MNA+ tumors were immune-related, and there was a significant increase in numerous genes associated with macrophages. The infiltration of macrophages was corroborated by immunohistochemistry and spatial digital protein profiling. Moreover, POST MNA+ tumor cells were more immunogenic compared to PRE MNA+ tumor cells. To find support for the macrophage-induced outgrowth of certain subpopulations of immunogenic tumor cells following treatment, we examined the genetic landscape in multiple clinical PRE and POST tumor samples from nine neuroblastoma patients revealing a significant correlation between an increased amount of copy number aberrations (CNA) and macrophage infiltration in POST MNA+ tumor samples. Using an in vivo neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) chemotherapy model, we further show that inhibition of macrophage recruitment with anti-CSF1R treatment prevents the regrowth of MNA+ tumors following chemotherapy. Taken together, our work supports a therapeutic strategy for fighting the relapse of MNA+ neuroblastoma by targeting the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Valind
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bronte Manouk Verhoeven
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Healthy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Enoksson
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Karlsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gustav Christensson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Adriana Mañas
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Jansson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bexell
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Healthy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Gisselsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hagerling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Tan K, Mo J, Li M, Dong Y, Han Y, Sun X, Ma Y, Zhu K, Wu W, Lu L, Liu J, Zhao K, Zhang L, Tang Y, Lv Z. SMAD9-MYCN positive feedback loop represents a unique dependency for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:352. [PMID: 36539767 PMCID: PMC9764568 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor occurring during childhood and high-risk NB patients have a poor prognosis. The amplified MYCN gene serves as an important determinant of a high risk of NB. METHODS We performed an integrative screen using public NB tissue and cell line data, and identified that SMAD9 played an important role in high-risk NB. An investigation of the super-enhancers database (SEdb) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) dataset along with biological experiments of incorporating gene knockdown and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) were performed to identify upstream regulatory mechanism of SMAD9. Gene knockdown and rescue, quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR), cell titer Glo assays, colony formation assays, a subcutaneous xenograft model and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the functional role of SMAD9 in NB. An integrative analysis of ChIP-seq data with the validation of CRISPRi and dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data with Q-RT-PCR validation was conducted to analyze the downstream regulatory mechanism of SMAD9. RESULTS High expression of SMAD9 was specifically induced by the transcription factors including MYCN, PHOX2B, GATA3 and HAND2 at the enhancer region. Genetic suppression of SMAD9 inhibited MYCN-amplified NB cell proliferation and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies revealed that SMAD9 bound to the MYCN promoter and transcriptionally regulate MYCN expression, with MYCN reciprocally binding to the SMAD9 enhancer and transactivating SMAD9, thus forming a positive feedback loop along with the MYCN-associated cancer cell cycle. CONCLUSION This study delineates that SMAD9 forms a positive transcriptional feedback loop with MYCN and represents a unique tumor-dependency for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezhe Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Mo
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Han
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingxuan Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kewen Zhao
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhibao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Deciphering the Role of p53 and TAp73 in Neuroblastoma: From Pathogenesis to Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246212. [PMID: 36551697 PMCID: PMC9777536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic cancer that develops from neural crest stem cells, being one of the most common malignancies in children. The clinical manifestation of this disease is highly variable, ranging from spontaneous regression to increased aggressiveness, which makes it a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. The p53 family proteins p53 and TAp73 play a key role in protecting cells against genomic instability and malignant transformation. However, in NB, their activities are commonly inhibited by interacting proteins such as murine double minute (MDM)2 and MDMX, mutant p53, ΔNp73, Itch, and Aurora kinase A. The interplay between the p53/TAp73 pathway and N-MYC, a known biomarker of poor prognosis and drug resistance in NB, also proves to be decisive in the pathogenesis of this tumor. More recently, a strong crosstalk between microRNAs (miRNAs) and p53/TAp73 has been established, which has been the focused of great attention because of its potential for developing new therapeutic strategies. Collectively, this review provides an updated overview about the critical role of the p53/TAp73 pathway in the pathogenesis of NB, highlighting encouraging clues for the advance of alternative NB targeted therapies.
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36
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Single-Cell Sequencing Identifies Master Regulators Affected by Panobinostat in Neuroblastoma Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122240. [PMID: 36553506 PMCID: PMC9778475 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and gene regulatory networks sustaining cell proliferation in neuroblastoma (NBL) cells are still not fully understood. In this tumor context, it has been proposed that anti-proliferative drugs, such as the pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat, could be tested to mitigate tumor progression. Here, we set out to investigate the effects of panobinostat treatment at the unprecedented resolution offered by single-cell sequencing. We identified a global senescence signature paired with reduction in proliferation in treated Kelly cells and more isolated transcriptional responses compatible with early neuronal differentiation. Using master regulator analysis, we identified BAZ1A, HCFC1, MAZ, and ZNF146 as the transcriptional regulators most significantly repressed by panobinostat. Experimental silencing of these transcription factors (TFs) confirmed their role in sustaining NBL cell proliferation in vitro.
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37
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Li YF, Cheng T, Zhang YJ, Fu XX, Mo J, Zhao GQ, Xue MG, Zhuo DH, Xing YY, Huang Y, Sun XZ, Wang D, Liu X, Dong Y, Zhu XS, He F, Ma J, Chen D, Jin X, Xu PF. Mycn regulates intestinal development through ribosomal biogenesis in a zebrafish model of Feingold syndrome 1. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001856. [PMID: 36318514 PMCID: PMC9624419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Feingold syndrome type 1, caused by loss-of-function of MYCN, is characterized by varied phenotypes including esophageal and duodenal atresia. However, no adequate model exists for studying the syndrome's pathological or molecular mechanisms, nor is there a treatment strategy. Here, we developed a zebrafish Feingold syndrome type 1 model with nonfunctional mycn, which had severe intestinal atresia. Single-cell RNA-seq identified a subcluster of intestinal cells that were highly sensitive to Mycn, and impaired cell proliferation decreased the overall number of intestinal cells in the mycn mutant fish. Bulk RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis showed that expression of ribosomal genes was down-regulated and that amino acid metabolism was abnormal. Northern blot and ribosomal profiling analysis showed abnormal rRNA processing and decreases in free 40S, 60S, and 80S ribosome particles, which led to impaired translation in the mutant. Besides, both Ribo-seq and western blot analysis showed that mTOR pathway was impaired in mycn mutant, and blocking mTOR pathway by rapamycin treatment can mimic the intestinal defect, and both L-leucine and Rheb, which can elevate translation via activating TOR pathway, could rescue the intestinal phenotype of mycn mutant. In summary, by this zebrafish Feingold syndrome type 1 model, we found that disturbance of ribosomal biogenesis and blockage of protein synthesis during development are primary causes of the intestinal defect in Feingold syndrome type 1. Importantly, our work suggests that leucine supplementation may be a feasible and easy treatment option for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Li
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Xin Fu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Mo
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo-Qin Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mao-Guang Xue
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ding-Hao Zhuo
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yi Xing
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Sun
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Zhu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng He
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (P-FX)
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (P-FX)
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Mañas A, Aaltonen K, Andersson N, Hansson K, Adamska A, Seger A, Yasui H, van den Bos H, Radke K, Esfandyari J, Bhave MS, Karlsson J, Spierings D, Foijer F, Gisselsson D, Bexell D. Clinically relevant treatment of PDX models reveals patterns of neuroblastoma chemoresistance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq4617. [PMID: 36306349 PMCID: PMC9616506 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq4617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance and relapses are common in high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Here, we developed a clinically relevant in vivo treatment protocol mimicking the first-line five-chemotherapy treatment regimen of high-risk NB and applied this protocol to mice with MYCN-amplified NB patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Genomic and transcriptomic analyses were used to reveal NB chemoresistance mechanisms. Intrinsic resistance was associated with high genetic diversity and an embryonic phenotype. Relapsed NB with acquired resistance showed a decreased adrenergic phenotype and an enhanced immature mesenchymal-like phenotype, resembling multipotent Schwann cell precursors. NBs with a favorable treatment response presented a lineage-committed adrenergic phenotype similar to normal neuroblasts. Novel integrated phenotypic gene signatures reflected treatment response and patient prognosis. NB organoids established from relapsed PDX tumors retained drug resistance, tumorigenicity, and transcriptional cell states. This work sheds light on the mechanisms of NB chemotherapy response and emphasizes the importance of transcriptional cell states in chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Mañas
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Natalie Andersson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22185, Sweden
| | - Karin Hansson
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
- Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Aleksandra Adamska
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Seger
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Hiroaki Yasui
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22185, Sweden
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hilda van den Bos
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV, Groningen 9713, Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Radke
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Javanshir Esfandyari
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Madhura Satish Bhave
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
| | - Jenny Karlsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22185, Sweden
| | - Diana Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV, Groningen 9713, Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV, Groningen 9713, Netherlands
| | - David Gisselsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22185, Sweden
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund 22184, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bexell
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 22381, Sweden
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Monferrer E, Dobre O, Trujillo S, González Oliva MA, Trubert-Paneli A, Acevedo-León D, Noguera R, Salmeron-Sanchez M. Vitronectin-based hydrogels recapitulate neuroblastoma growth conditions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:988699. [PMID: 36425532 PMCID: PMC9679952 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.988699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer development and the use of 3D in vitro systems that decouple different elements of this microenvironment is critical for the study of cancer progression. In neuroblastoma (NB), vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix protein, has been linked to poor prognosis and appears as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we developed hydrogels that incorporate VN into 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel networks to recapitulate the native NB microenvironment. The stiffness of the VN/PEG hydrogels was modulated to be comparable to the in vivo values reported for NB tissue samples. We used SK-N-BE (2) NB cells to demonstrate that PEGylated VN promotes cell adhesion as the native protein does. Furthermore, the PEGylation of VN allows its crosslinking into the hydrogel network, providing VN retention within the hydrogels that support viable cells in 3D. Confocal imaging and ELISA assays indicate that cells secrete VN also in the hydrogels and continue to reorganize their 3D environment. Overall, the 3D VN-based PEG hydrogels recapitulate the complexity of the native tumor extracellular matrix, showing that VN-cell interaction plays a key role in NB aggressiveness, and that VN could potentially be targeted in preclinical drug studies performed on the presented hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Monferrer
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Dobre
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Trujillo
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Alexandre Trubert-Paneli
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Delia Acevedo-León
- Clinical Analysis Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Noguera
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
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Parkinson LM, Gillen SL, Woods LM, Chaytor L, Marcos D, Ali FR, Carroll JS, Philpott A. The proneural transcription factor ASCL1 regulates cell proliferation and primes for differentiation in neuroblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:942579. [PMID: 36263020 PMCID: PMC9574099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.942579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is believed to arise from sympathetic neuroblast precursors that fail to engage the neuronal differentiation programme, but instead become locked in a pro-proliferative developmental state. Achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1) is a proneural master regulator of transcription which modulates both proliferation and differentiation of sympathetic neuroblast precursor cells during development, while its expression has been implicated in the maintenance of an oncogenic programme in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. However, the role of ASCL1 expression in neuroblastoma is not clear, especially as its levels vary considerably in different neuroblastoma cell lines. Here, we have investigated the role of ASCL1 in maintaining proliferation and controlling differentiation in both MYCN amplified and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-driven neuroblastoma cells. Using CRISPR deletion, we generated neuroblastoma cell lines lacking ASCL1 expression, and these grew more slowly than parental cells, indicating that ASCL1 contributes to rapid proliferation of MYCN amplified and non-amplified neuroblastoma cells. Genome-wide analysis after ASCL1 deletion revealed reduced expression of genes associated with neuronal differentiation, while chromatin accessibility at regulatory regions associated with differentiation genes was also attenuated by ASCL1 knock-out. In neuroblastoma, ASCL1 has been described as part of a core regulatory circuit of developmental regulators whose high expression is maintained by mutual cross-activation of a network of super enhancers and is further augmented by the activity of MYC/MYCN. Surprisingly, ASCL1 deletion had little effect on the transcription of CRC gene transcripts in these neuroblastoma cell lines, but the ability of MYC/MYCN and CRC component proteins, PHOX2B and GATA3, to bind to chromatin was compromised. Taken together, our results demonstrate several roles for endogenous ASCL1 in neuroblastoma cells: maintaining a highly proliferative phenotype, regulating DNA binding of the core regulatory circuit genes to chromatin, while also controlling accessibility and transcription of differentiation targets. Thus, we propose a model where ASCL1, a key developmental regulator of sympathetic neurogenesis, plays a pivotal role in maintaining proliferation while simultaneously priming cells for differentiation in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M. Parkinson
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L. Gillen
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura M. Woods
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Chaytor
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Marcos
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad R. Ali
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jason S. Carroll
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Philpott
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Ognibene M, Cangelosi D, Sorrentino S, Zanardi S, Zara F, Pezzolo A, Parodi S. E2F3 gene expression is a potential negative prognostic marker for localised and MYCN not-amplified neuroblastoma: Results of in silico analysis of 786 samples. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29800. [PMID: 35652628 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is an enigmatic childhood malignancy characterised by a wide range of clinical behaviour. Many potential oncogenes for NB have recently been identified. Among them, E2 transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression was associated with a poor survival in 134 stage 4S patients, but evidence for other stage groups remains poorly investigated. METHODS We have analysed the expression of E2F3 gene from a database of 786 NB samples. Overall and event-free survivals (EFS) were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method, splitting the data on the median and tertile expression values. The Cox model was applied to control for the confounding by stage, age and MYCN amplification. Validation was performed by an in silico analysis of an independent cohort of 283 NB patients. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence analysis on 48 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NB specimens was also performed. RESULTS E2F3 overexpression was associated with a poor survival (EFS = 84%, 95% CI: 79%-95%, for low expression levels; EFS = 62%, 95% CI: 56%-68% for middle levels; EFS = 30%, 95% CI: 24%-36%, for high levels, p < .001). This association was confirmed in multivariable analysis and was more evident in patients with MYCN not-amplified and localised stages. Immunofluorescence results and the validation on an independent cohort of NB primary samples confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS E2F3 is a new potential prognostic marker in NB with favourable characteristics at diagnosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of E2F3 in NB oncogenesis and progression, in order to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Ognibene
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Unità di Bioinformatica Clinica, Direzione Scientifica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania Sorrentino
- U.O.C. Divisione di Oncologia, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zanardi
- U.O.S.I.D. Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Direzione Scientifica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Parodi
- Direzione Scientifica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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42
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Keller KM, Eleveld TF, Schild L, van den Handel K, van den Boogaard M, Amo-Addae V, Eising S, Ober K, Koopmans B, Looijenga L, Tytgat GA, Ylstra B, Molenaar JJ, Dolman MEM, van Hooff SR. Chromosome 11q loss and MYCN amplification demonstrate synthetic lethality with checkpoint kinase 1 inhibition in neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:929123. [PMID: 36237330 PMCID: PMC9552537 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.929123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor found in children and despite intense multi-modal therapeutic approaches, low overall survival rates of high-risk patients persist. Tumors with heterozygous loss of chromosome 11q and MYCN amplification are two genetically distinct subsets of neuroblastoma that are associated with poor patient outcome. Using an isogenic 11q deleted model system and high-throughput drug screening, we identify checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) as a potential therapeutic target for 11q deleted neuroblastoma. Further investigation reveals MYCN amplification as a possible additional biomarker for CHK1 inhibition, independent of 11q loss. Overall, our study highlights the potential power of studying chromosomal aberrations to guide preclinical development of novel drug targets and combinations. Additionally, our study builds on the growing evidence that DNA damage repair and replication stress response pathways offer therapeutic vulnerabilities for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee M. Keller
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Thomas F. Eleveld
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Linda Schild
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kim van den Handel
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Vicky Amo-Addae
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Selma Eising
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kimberley Ober
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bianca Koopmans
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Leendert Looijenga
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Godelieve A.M. Tytgat
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bauke Ylstra
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan J. Molenaar
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jan J. Molenaar,
| | - M. Emmy M. Dolman
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Sander R. van Hooff
- Department of Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Chen C, Lan MS. Interplay: The Essential Role between INSM1 and N-Myc in Aggressive Neuroblastoma. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101376. [PMID: 36290282 PMCID: PMC9598261 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma (NB) is a cancer that starts in certain very early forms of nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, most often found in an embryo or fetus. Symptoms may include bone pain, an abdominal mass, frequent urination, limping, anemia, spinal cord weakness, or bruising of the eye area. N-Myc is a key driver of high-risk NB. An elevated expression of N-Myc often predicts a poorer prognosis, in both time to tumor progression and overall survival rate. We discovered a transcription factor, insulinoma-associated-1 (INSM1), as the downstream target gene of N-Myc. INSM1 has emerged as a novel NB biomarker that plays a critical role in facilitating NB tumor cell development. Both N-Myc and INSM1 demonstrate high clinical relevance to NB. Therefore, further understanding the association of INSM1 and N-Myc functions in aggressive NB should be beneficial for future NB treatment. Abstract An aggressive form of neuroblastoma (NB), a malignant childhood cancer derived from granule neuron precursors and sympathoadrenal lineage, frequently comprises MYCN amplification/elevated N-Myc expression, which contributes to the development of neural crest-derived embryonal malignancy. N-Myc is an oncogenic driver in NB. Persistent N-Myc expression during the maturation of SA precursor cells can cause blockage of the apoptosis and induce abnormal proliferation, resulting in NB development. An insulinoma-associated-1 (INSM1) zinc-finger transcription factor has emerged as an NB biomarker that plays a critical role in facilitating tumor cell growth and transformation. INSM1 plays an essential role in sympathoadrenal cell differentiation. N-Myc activates endogenous INSM1 through an E2-box of the INSM1 proximal promoter, whereas INSM1 enhances N-Myc stability via RAC-α-serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT) phosphorylation in NB. The ectopic expression of INSM1 stimulates NB tumor growth in contrast to the knockdown of INSM1 that inhibits NB cell proliferation. The clinical pathological result and bioinformatics analysis show that INSM1 is a strong diagnostic and a prognostic biomarker for the evaluation of NB progression. The INSM1/N-Myc expression shows high clinical relevance in NB. Therefore, targeting the INSM1/N-Myc-associated signaling axis should be a feasible approach to identifying new drugs for the suppression of NB tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S. Lan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-568-2437; Fax: +1-504-568-8500
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Gomez RL, Woods LM, Ramachandran R, Abou Tayoun AN, Philpott A, Ali FR. Super-enhancer associated core regulatory circuits mediate susceptibility to retinoic acid in neuroblastoma cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943924. [PMID: 36147741 PMCID: PMC9485839 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumour that accounts for more than 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. High-risk tumours are often difficult to treat, and patients' survival chances are less than 50%. Retinoic acid treatment is part of the maintenance therapy given to neuroblastoma patients; however, not all tumours differentiate in response to retinoic acid. Within neuroblastoma tumors, two phenotypically distinct cell types have been identified based on their super-enhancer landscape and transcriptional core regulatory circuitries: adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES). We hypothesized that the distinct super-enhancers in these different tumour cells mediate differential response to retinoic acid. To this end, three different neuroblastoma cell lines, ADRN (MYCN amplified and non-amplified) and MES cells, were treated with retinoic acid, and changes in the super-enhancer landscape upon treatment and after subsequent removal of retinoic acid was studied. Using ChIP-seq for the active histone mark H3K27ac, paired with RNA-seq, we compared the super-enhancer landscape in cells that undergo neuronal differentiation in response to retinoic acid versus those that fail to differentiate and identified unique super-enhancers associated with neuronal differentiation. Among the ADRN cells that respond to treatment, MYCN-amplified cells remain differentiated upon removal of retinoic acid, whereas MYCN non-amplified cells revert to an undifferentiated state, allowing for the identification of super-enhancers responsible for maintaining differentiation. This study identifies key super-enhancers that are crucial for retinoic acid-mediated differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshna Lawrence Gomez
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laura M. Woods
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Center, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Revathy Ramachandran
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad N. Abou Tayoun
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Al Jalila Genomics Center, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Philpott
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Center, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad R. Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Tan E, Merchant K, Kn BP, Cs A, Zhao JJ, Saffari SE, Tan PH, Tang PH. CT-based morphologic and radiomics features for the classification of MYCN gene amplification status in pediatric neuroblastoma. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:1487-1495. [PMID: 35460355 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE MYCN onco-gene amplification in neuroblastoma confers patients to the high-risk disease category for which prognosis is poor and more aggressive multimodal treatment is indicated. This retrospective study leverages machine learning techniques to develop a computed tomography (CT)-based model incorporating semantic and non-semantic features for non-invasive prediction of MYCN amplification status in pediatric neuroblastoma. METHODS From 2009 to 2020, 54 pediatric patients treated for neuroblastoma at a specialized children's hospital with pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT and MYCN status were identified (training cohort, n = 44; testing cohort, n = 10). Six morphologic features and 107 quantitative gray-level texture radiomics features extracted from manually drawn volume-of-interest were analyzed. Following feature selection and class balancing, the final predictive model was developed with eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. Accumulated local effects (ALE) plots were used to explore main effects of the predictive features. Tumor texture maps were also generated for visualization of radiomics features. RESULTS One morphologic and 2 radiomics features were selected for model building. The XGBoost model from the training cohort yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.930 (95% CI, 0.85-1.00), optimized F1-score of 0.878, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.773. Evaluation on the testing cohort returned AUC-ROC of 0.880 (95% CI, 0.64-1.00), optimized F1-score of 0.933, and MCC of 0.764. ALE plots and texture maps showed higher "GreyLevelNonUniformity" values, lower "Strength" values, and higher number of image-defined risk factors contribute to higher predicted probability of MYCN amplification. CONCLUSION The machine learning model reliably classified MYCN amplification in pediatric neuroblastoma and shows potential as a surrogate imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelin Tan
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Womens' and Childrens' Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.
| | - Khurshid Merchant
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Womens' and Childrens' Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Bhanu Prakash Kn
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*Star, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Arvind Cs
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*Star, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Joseph J Zhao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Seyed Ehsan Saffari
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Poh Hwa Tan
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Womens' and Childrens' Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Phua Hwee Tang
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Womens' and Childrens' Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
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46
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Gonzalez Malagon SG, Liu KJ. Linking neural crest development to neuroblastoma pathology. Development 2022; 149:276149. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Although rare, childhood (paediatric) cancers are a major cause of death in young children. Unlike many adult cancers, paediatric cancers, such as neuroblastoma (NB), are developmental diseases that rarely show genetic predispositions. NB is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, accounting for ∼15% of paediatric cancer deaths. This heterogeneous cancer arises from undifferentiated neural crest-derived progenitor cells. As neural crest cells are multipotent and migratory, they are often considered the embryonic paradigm of cancer stem cells. However, very little is known about the events that trigger tumour initiation and progression. Here, we discuss recent insights into sympathoadrenal lineage specification, as well as genetic factors associated with NB. With this in mind, we consider the molecular underpinnings of NB in the context of developmental trajectories of the neural crest lineage. This allows us to compare distinct subtypes of the disease and gene-function interactions during sensitive phases of neural crest development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Guadalupe Gonzalez Malagon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology, University of Ioannina Campus 1 , 45115 Ioannina , Greece
- School of Health Sciences and Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina 2 Department of Biological Applications and Technology , , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Karen J. Liu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London 3 , London SE1 9RT , UK
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Yang Y, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Feng T, Yv B, Wang J, Gao Y, Yin M, Tang J, Li Y. MYCN protein stability is a better prognostic indicator in neuroblastoma. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:404. [PMID: 35820898 PMCID: PMC9277955 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective MYCN oncogene amplification is associated with treatment failure and poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. To date, most detection methods of MYCN focus on DNA copy numbers instead of protein expression, which is the real one performing biological function, for poor antibodies. The current investigation was to explore a fast and reliable way to detect MYCN protein expression and evaluate its performance in predicting prognosis. Methods Several MYCN antibodies were used to detect MYCN protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and one was chosen for further study. We correlated the IHC results of MYCN from 53 patients with MYCN fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and identified the sensitivity and specificity of IHC. The relationship between patient prognosis and MYCN protein expression was detected from this foundation. Results MYCN amplification status detected by FISH was most valuable for INSS stage 3 patients. In the cohort of 53 samples, IHC test demonstrated 80.0–85.7% concordance with FISH results. Further analyzing those cases with inconsistent results, we found that patients with MYCN amplification but low protein expression tumors always had a favorable prognosis. In contrast, if patients with MYCN non-amplified tumors were positive for MYCN protein, they had a poor prognosis. Conclusion MYCN protein level is better than MYCN amplification status in predicting the prognosis of neuroblastoma patients. Joint of FISH and IHC could confirm MYCN protein stability and achieve better prediction effect than the singular method. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03449-1. The MYCN gene test is most valuable for INSS stage 3 patients to predict prognosis. Compared to gene status, MYCN protein expression is more relevant to prognosis. Combining FISH with IHC, MYCN protein stability could be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tianyue Feng
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Gezhi Senior High School of Shanghai China, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Bo Yv
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of general Surgery/Surgical Oncology Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yijin Gao
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Minzhi Yin
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Jingyan Tang
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yanxin Li
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Health Committee Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Li W, Li X, Xia Y, Wang J. Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Neuroblastoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:809587. [PMID: 35664308 PMCID: PMC9162481 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.809587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor. The 5-year survival rate for high-risk neuroblastoma is less than 50%, despite multimodal treatment. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory type of programmed cell death, manifested pro-tumor and anti-tumor roles in the adult tumor. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the function of pyroptosis in neuroblastoma. We classified neuroblastoma patients into two clusters based on the pyroptosis gene expression. We found high pyroptosis neuroblastoma manifested favorable overall survival and more anti-tumor immune cell infiltration. Based on the results of a stepwise Cox regression analysis, we built a four-gene predictive model including NLRP3, CASP3, IL18, and GSDMB. The model showed excellent predictive performance in internal and external validation. Our findings highlight that high pyroptosis positively correlated with neuroblastoma outcomes and immune landscape, which may pave the way for further studies on inducing pyroptosis therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanrong Li
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuren Xia
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wang,
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Li F, Zhang W, Hu H, Zhang Y, Li J, Huang D. Factors of Recurrence After Complete Response in Children with Neuroblastoma: A 16-Year Retrospective Study of 179 Cases. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:107-122. [PMID: 35023974 PMCID: PMC8747547 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s343648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is not clear which known adverse prognostic factors of neuroblastoma are closely associated with tumor recurrence after complete response. We analyzed the factors for post-remission recurrence in children with neuroblastoma through a retrospective study. Methods A total of 179 children with neuroblastoma who achieved initial complete response were included in this study. Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression model were used to assess the factors that may have impact on tumor recurrence after complete response. Results The 5-year overall survival rates of the entire cohort (n = 179), recurrence group (n = 86) and non-recurrence group (n = 93) were 81.9%, 66.2%, and 98.7%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of the entire cohort and the high-risk cohort were 47.3% and 31.2%, respectively. RFSs were significantly reduced in children with age ≥18 months, INSS stage 4, unfavorable histology, bone marrow metastasis, osseous metastasis, serum NSE level ≥100 ng/mL, and serum LDH level ≥1400 U/L (P < 0.05). The independent risk factors for post-remission recurrence in the entire cohort were age ≥18 months, unfavorable histology, and serum LDH level ≥1400 U/L (P < 0.05). In the high-risk cohort, the independent risk factor for recurrence was serum LDH ≥1400 U/L (P < 0.05). Based on a new recurrence risk stratification, the 5-year RFSs of the children were 93.5%, 66.4%, and 22.5% in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the new stratification was 0.773 (95% CI: 0.704−0.842). Conclusion Age ≥18 months, unfavorable histology, and serum LDH level ≥1400 U/L are independent risk factors for post-remission recurrence in children with neuroblastoma. A newly established recurrence risk stratification has diagnostic advantages in predicting risk of recurrence, which is especially suitable for low- and middle-income countries or regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiling Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
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Macsek P, Skoda J, Krchniakova M, Neradil J, Veselska R. Iron-Chelation Treatment by Novel Thiosemicarbazone Targets Major Signaling Pathways in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010376. [PMID: 35008802 PMCID: PMC8745636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite constant advances in the field of pediatric oncology, the survival rate of high-risk neuroblastoma patients remains poor. The molecular and genetic features of neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification and stemness status, have established themselves not only as potent prognostic and predictive factors but also as intriguing targets for personalized therapy. Novel thiosemicarbazones target both total level and activity of a number of proteins involved in some of the most important signaling pathways in neuroblastoma. In this study, we found that di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) potently decreases N-MYC in MYCN-amplified and c-MYC in MYCN-nonamplified neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, DpC succeeded in downregulating total EGFR and phosphorylation of its most prominent tyrosine residues through the involvement of NDRG1, a positive prognostic marker in neuroblastoma, which was markedly upregulated after thiosemicarbazone treatment. These findings could provide useful knowledge for the treatment of MYC-driven neuroblastomas that are unresponsive to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Macsek
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Skoda
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Krchniakova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
| | - Jakub Neradil
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-549-49-6003
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
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